Tuesday, February 14, 2012

"The Second Funeral"


My first funeral was memorable, as it is for most pastors. But, it's the second one, two weeks later, that shaped my ministry. This one was for a toddler who had darted into the street, just as his mother's attention was diverted. The mom was 7 months pregnant, and so was I. I felt so helpless and incompetent in the face of this family's tragic loss. So I called my mom and blubbered a lot. When I was done, she said, "Remember, every life is a complete life." Her wisdom got me through that funeral. It also got me through over 350 funerals for people with AIDS, mostly young people and some were babies.

Last week, Jack Gallagher took his own life. He was a friend of Sarah Beckwith's and of Lyndsey Broadfield's. By all accounts, he was an amazing young man with so much promise. Whitney Houston died, only 48 and she was certainly an amazing artist, with so much promise. Our Jewish friends have a saying, "There is something wrong with the universe, when parents have to bury their children." There is something about tragic deaths of young people that deeply affects us all. When young people die, our hearts are touched by this 'distortion of the universe'.

And yet, Princess Diana changed the public role of the English Monarchy; Whitney Houston left an astounding musical legacy; Sam (my little toddler) helped shape this pastor's ministry; Jack gave so much laughter and joy to those who knew him........ Each life is complete. Each life makes a difference. Each life is a blessing.

In times of such loss, we can remember Jesus, who also died tragically and young, but who left the whole world with a legacy of love. His was certainly a 'complete life' that reminds us of the differences we make by living our own.

Blessings to all of you in all of your living this week,
Laura Lee



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